The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a fresh update on the recent attack on a school in Oyo State, stating that the armed men responsible are criminal groups operating within forested areas in the South-West, rather than members of any organised terrorist organisation.
The military explained that current intelligence and ongoing field operations suggest the attackers are part of loosely connected kidnapping and armed robbery networks that have been exploiting remote forest corridors to carry out attacks on vulnerable communities.
The DHQ reaffirmed that joint security operations are ongoing, involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local security outfits, with efforts focused on rescuing abducted victims and tracking down those behind the attack.
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information, stressing that there is no confirmed evidence of a structured terrorist base in the South-West region.
The statement comes amid rising public concern over repeated abductions in schools and along highways, with renewed calls for stronger security deployment and improved protection of rural communities.
